Suniel Shetty in Talks to Adapt Black Scorpion; Eyeing Role of Gangster Shyam Kishore Garikapati: Report

Ziya Khan February 9, 2026Last Updated: February 9, 2026

Veteran actor Suniel Shetty is reportedly exploring a new creative path by negotiating to acquire the adaptation rights of the true-crime book Black Scorpion: To Hell and Back. He aims to transform the gripping story into a long-form web series. The narrative follows Shyam Kishore Garikapati, a notorious Mumbai underworld figure from the late 1980s and 1990s who later reformed into a businessman.

According to Mid-Day, Shetty has been deeply engaged with the book’s content and is not just interested in acquiring rights but is also considering portraying Garikapati himself. This role would mark a significant return for Shetty to the gritty crime drama genre.A source told the portal, “Suniel believes the story has great potential as a thrilling web series. He is drawn to such subjects.

What makes the story compelling is how Garikapati known as Black Scorpion in police circles — turned his life around after meeting top cop Kiran Bedi in Tihar Jail and eventually became a businessman. ”Shetty’s interest in Black Scorpion aligns with his ongoing involvement in diverse roles and projects within the industry. Alongside acting, he remains active behind the scenes, shaping narratives that break conventional molds.

Co-author Joshua also confirmed the development, saying, “When Suniel Anna read the synopsis, he was fascinated by the character arc. He decided not only to unveil the book but also to pursue the rights to adapt it into a series.”As of now, neither Shetty nor his representatives have officially confirmed the rights acquisition or casting, with negotiations still underway. More details on collaborators, platforms, and timelines are expected as talks continue.